Rescue team dispatched to New Orleans disaster area Rescue team dispatched to New Orleans disaster area (September 07, 2005)

By David Boyce

Almanac Staff Writer

Members of the Task Force 3 urban search and rescue team, including firefighters from the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, were dispatched to New Orleans last week to help with problems related to the severe flooding and disastrous destruction in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The day after the hurricane hit land on August 29, Menlo Park fire division chief Harold Schapelhouman and 13 members of the swift-water rescue team flew from Travis Air Force Base in Solano County to New Orleans.

On August 31, a full 70-person task force capable of rescues from water and structures, and co-led by Deputy Chief Randy Shurson and Capt. Ben Marra, packed up their gear in a fleet that included four tractor-trailers, two buses, and a command vehicle for an overland trip.

"You're talking about a very intense war zone," said Mr. Shurson said last week. "I'm trying to get (the team) prepared for thousands and thousands of bodies."

The Task Force 3 team includes two physicians, four paramedics, a structural engineer, 24 firefighters with rescue training, specialists in Internet technology and hazardous materials, logistics experts, and four dog handlers and their dogs. Four huge tents are included in case shelter isn't available.

This deployment may last 10 to 13 days or longer, said Mr. Shurson. The Menlo Park Fire Protection District will pay team members' salaries. In the past, reimbursement from the federal government has taken many months, but now it's down to about 90 days, he said.
Local fund drives

Presbyterian churches in Menlo Park and Portola Valley have notices of Hurricane Katrina fundraising campaigns on their Web sites. The Ladera Community Church is planning a campaign, but it hasn't jelled yet, a spokeswoman said.

With proceeds going to the American Red Cross, the Parents Club of Palo Alto and Menlo Park -- which raised $9,000 in January for tsunami victims -- will hold a bake sale Saturday, September 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Trader Joe's grocery store at 720 Menlo Ave. in Menlo Park.

The Peninsula Humane Society is matching donations up to $1,000 for animal victims of the hurricane. Send donations to Hurricane Relief, PHS/SPCA, 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94401, Attn: Lisa Van Buskirk.

Emergency pet supplies such as leashes, pet carriers and unopened bags of cat and dog food can be dropped off at the Airport Boulevard location or at 403 Quarry Rd. in San Carlos.

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